October is domestic violence awareness month, and tomorrow Samaritan House is asking for the community’s participation in Purple Thursday, the annual national day of action by wearing purple. To assist with the awareness program, the organization has all enlisted the aid of more than 30 local businesses.
“Our Paint 757 Purple business partners have been busy this month,” the organization said in a press release. “We encourage individuals to patronize one of our business partners to purchase a Love Shouldn’t Hurt face mask, sign a pledge card, or make an in-person donation.”
During the COVID epidemic, Samaritan House experienced a staggering 86% increase in demand for their emergency shelter and holistic services, providing a vital lifeline. Similar num bars are also plaguing the LGBTQ+ community.
According to Samaritan House, 6% of gay men and 37% of bisexual men experience rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime, as opposed to 35% of heterosexual women.
And a recent survey of the transgender community revealed that more than half (54%) experienced some form of intimate partner violence, including acts involving coercive control and physical harm.
You may support victims of domestic violence and Samaritan House’s programs by texting “SAM” to 50155, patronizing a Paint 757 Purple partner, or making an online donation.
